Removal of a prolapsed lumbar disc through a sub-centimetre incision. Same-day discharge, faster recovery, less tissue trauma than open surgery.
Through a single incision smaller than a fingernail, Mr. Rath inserts a thin tube housing a high-resolution camera and surgical instruments. The prolapsed fragment of disc is removed precisely, with no need to cut through back muscles.
You'll arrive at the hospital in the morning, complete pre-operative checks, and be in theatre within an hour. The procedure itself takes 45–90 minutes under general or spinal anaesthetic.
After a short period in recovery, you'll be checked by Mr. Rath, given pain medication and discharge instructions, and most patients walk out the same day.
Endoscopic surgery is technically demanding — recovery, complication rates, and long-term outcomes all correlate strongly with surgeon experience. Mr. Rath is one of the leading endoscopic spinal surgeons in the UK and the North West, and brings consistent, high-volume practice to every procedure.
All surgery carries risk. For endoscopic discectomy these include:
Mr. Rath will discuss these in detail at your consultation.
Day of surgery · Same day discharge
Most patients are home within hours, walking comfortably.
Week 1 · 7 days
Light walking. No heavy lifting. Stitches dissolve on their own.
Week 2-4 · 21 days
Return to office work and light driving. Physiotherapy begins around week 4 to rebuild strength and core conditioning.
Week 6 · 6 weeks
Phase-wise return to pre-symptom activity guided by Mr. Rath at the 6-week review.
Endoscopic surgery uses a thin tube and camera through an 8mm incision — no muscle cutting. Open surgery uses a larger incision and disrupts the muscle.
In Mr. Rath's hands, around 95% of patients experience significant pain relief. Outcomes depend on patient selection and disc characteristics.
Online and in-clinic consultations available across the North West.
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